The Russian leader said he would not tolerate Western criticism of his role in Syria as G7 nations issued warned him over his support for al-Assad.

He said Moscow had recieved infotmaiton the US was preparing strikes on southern Damascus suburbs, and America would try to point the finger at the Syrian government.

President Putin said he hoped that attitudes would eventually become more positive.

He also said US airstrikes in Syria reminded him of weapons of mass destruction claims following the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

It comes as Boris Johnson called for targeted sanctions against Syria and Russian diplomats until Assad is ousted.

While, US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson told Mr Putin that he hoped for a joint G7 position against Assad and expected support from Middle Eastern allies in the wake of the deplorable chemical gas attack that killed 87 people a week ago.